The fall was a miserable season if you were a fan of Spartan football.

Not much detail is needed because everyone knows the story: high expectations, embarrassing blowout losses, suspensions and terminations. Yada yada.

But there is always hope when the football team disappoints followers of the Green & White.

That hope is men's basketball.

No matter what happens on the gridiron, fans know that on the hardwood there will be a lot to cheer for. People know head coach Tom Izzo will produce a winner. It's a given, right?

Well, don't count your eggs before the chicken crosses the road.

If the MSU men's basketball team isn't careful, it could be headed down a similar road of disappointment.

A losing season and a handful of suspensions